Assembly kit

ABSTRACT

An assembly kit has first structural elements and second structural elements the latter of which each are provided with an electrical component. Mating male and female coupling portions are provided on the first and second structural elements so that the same can be mechanically coupled. Conductor means conductively connects the electrical components with at least one predetermined coupling portion of the respective second structural element. Electrical connecting means is arranged to mate with the predetermined coupling portions of two of the second structural elements to thereby establish an electrical connection between the electrical components thereof.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Artur Fischer Grunmetterstr 133, Tumlingen, Germany [2] I Appl. No. 791,748

[22] Filed Jan. 16, 1969 [45] Patented May 4, I971 [32] Priority Jan. 24, 1968 [33] Germany [3|] P16 78 334.9

[54] ASSEMBLY KIT 7 Claims, 3 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. 35/ 19A, 46/26, 339/9l [5 l] Int. Cl 60% 23/18 [50] Field oiSearch 35/l9.l; 46/26, 25 (Cursory); 317/101 (lnquired); 339/(lnquired) [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,220,810 I l/ 1940 Bright 339/9l 2,225,6l2 I2! 1940 Allen... 46/26X 3, 1 29,396 4/1964 Germain et al. 3 l 7/l0 l X 3,237,34l 3/1966 .lanning 35/ 1 9X 3,4l0.00l 11/1968 Blum 35/19 3,484,984 [2/1969 Fischer 35/ 19X I FOREIGN PATENTS 6l3,379 5/1935 Germany 46/26 Primary Examiner-Harland S. Skogquist Attorney-Michael S. Striker ABSTRACT: An assembly kit has first structural elements and second structural elements the latter of which each are pro-' vided with an electrical component. Mating male and female coupling portions are provided on the first and second structural elements so that the same can be mechanically coupled.

Conductor means conductively connects the electrical com- 1 ASSEMBLY Krr BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to an assembly kit, and more particularly to a toy assembly kit. Still more specifically the invention relates to a toy assembly kit for erecting models and the like.

It is already known to provide toy assembly kits including a plurality of structural elements provided with undercut coupling projections and undercut coupling grooves, with the former being introduceable into the latter to thereby establish a mechanical connection between the structural elements. The purpose of these toy assembly kits is to enable children of different ages to construct models, preferably functioning models, of many different types which are as close replicas to the actual objects as possible.

While it is of course the primary consideration of such toys to provide entertainment and play value for the child, it has long been recognized that toys can be used as a teaching aid in teaching the playing child by providing information which he or she will absorb without actually becoming conscious of the fact that this is a learning process. From this point of view the type of assembly kit known heretofore has been successful where mechanical functions are concerned because it has provided an excellent opportunity to erect models illustrating mechanical functions. However, this is not true where it is desired to erect modelsand thus convey informationconceming the function of electrical or electronic circuits. At

best it was possible to use electromotors for driving mechanical components of a model, but the necessary electrical elements such as switches or the like could not be properly incorporated into the model.

This is not to say that there do not exist assembly kits with which it is possible to assemble electrical or electronic circuits. However, in these kits it is always necessary to arrange the individual electrical or electronic components on a supporting or baseplate which usually in one form or another also provides the electrical connections between the individual components. Not only does this severely limit the possibility for variations to a few electrical circuits, such as a radio or the like; the additional advantage of this type of kit is the fact that the individual electrical or electronic components cannot be coupled directly with one another mechanically as well as electrically and thus do not provide for necessary flexibility in arrangement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore a general object of the present invention to provide an assembly kit of the type here under discussion which overcomes these disadvantages.

A more specific object of the invention is to provide such an ussembly kit which permits the erection of not only mechanically functioning models, but also electrically or electronically functioning models.

An additional object of the invention is to provide an assembly kit of this type whereby the individual electrical or electronic components may readily be inserted into the structural context of the model at such places where they are needed for control purposes or for execution of a mechanical or electrical function.

In pursuance of the above objects, and others which will become apparent hereafter, one feature of my invention resides in the provision of an assembly kit having a plurality of first structural elements and'a plurality of second structural elements. The second structural elements are each provided with an electrical component. Mating male and female coupling portions are provided on the structural elements for the purpose of enabling mechanical coupling of the same. Conductor means conductively connect the respective electrical components with at least one predetermined coupling portion of the associated second structural element. Electrical connecting means are each arranged to mate with the predetermined coupling portions of two of the second struc- 75 in case of parallel connection the electrical connecting means tural elements to thereby establish an electrical connection between the electrical components associated with the thus connected two second structural elements.

Of course, the second structural elements may be configurated the same as the first structural elements which latter serve exclusively for the mechanical erection of the model, or they may have a predetermined relationship with respect to the first structural elements. The electrical or electronic components-and I wish it understood that the term electrical component as used herein and in the appended claims is to cover both electrical and electronic components-may be coils, condensers, resistors, combinations of these elements, or still others. The electrical connecting means which isarranged to mate with the coupling portions of two of the second structural elements to be electrically connected may be so configurated, if these coupling portions are undercut grooves as I prefer, that they will be completely concealed in these grooves and thus will not be visible to a viewer of a model erected with my novel assembly kit; this enhances the aesthetic appearance of such a model.

If it is assumed, for purposes of explanation, that an electrical bell is to be constructed with an assembly kit according to my invention, it should be called to mind that an electrical bell consists of one or two coils which act upon a springy element which latter also carries the clapper impinging against a bell to provide the desired sound effect. In the initial condition the springy element is connected with an electrical contact which in turn is connected to one pole of a source of electrical energy. A conductor extends from the other pole of this source to the coil and an electrical switch may be inserted into this conductor. A further conductor extends from the coil to the springy element which in its rest position contacts the aforementioned electrical contact. Furthermore, the springy element is additionally electrically connected with the electrical contact via a condenser. lf, now, such a bell is to be erected with an assembly kit according to my present invention, a second structural element provided with an electrical component in form of a coil, may be mechanically and electrically connected with the various other second structural components provided respectively with a condenser and an electrical switch. The mechanical connection of the individual second structural components may be effected by the electrical connecting means which in any case serves to establish electrical connection between them. One of the second structural components may additionally carry the spring element provided with the clapper and another of the second structural components may carry the bell. it is clear from this that the second structural components in this instance constitute the desired-model by being connected in the requisite manner.

By utilizing the electrical connecting means to establish not only an electrical connection but also a mechanical connection between respective ones of the second structural elements, the number of mating male and female coupling portions which has to be provided can be reduced, thus reducing the manufacturing and selling expense for the kit. The contacts or conductor portions of negative and positive values of any one of the second structural elements may be associated with one and the same coupling portion, preferably located in an undercut coupling groove. In this case it is necessary that the electrical connecting means consist of two parts which are separated by an insulating layer or the like. The contacts or conductor portions may be located within the undercut coupling groove opposite one another which is advantageous if the electrical component associated vfith the respective second structural element need only be connected with a second structural elements to be connected, to such an extent that both contacts are engaged by the two-part electrical connecting means. In case of series connection two of the electrical connecting means are inserted into the groove from opposite ends thereof, each only to the extent that it will contact one of the conductor portions in the groove.

To further increase the versatility of my novel assembly kit and to make provision for circumstances where it may not be possible to provide the requisite electrical connection exclusively by the use of the aforementioned electrical connecting means, the electrical connecting means may itself be provided with terminals at which electrical conductors may be connected.

l have found it to be advantageous if the respective second structural elements are provided in two-part construction with one part or portion being hollow and having an open side, and with the other part or portion constituting a cover for the open side and being connectable with the one portion. In this case the electrical components are arranged on that side of the cover portion which will face the interior of the second structural element when both portions are connected with one another. Advantageoiisly the arrangement will be such that connection of the two portions with one another will establish electrical connection between the respective electrical component and the conductor portions provided on the predetermined coupling portion with which the electrical connecting means is later to mate. Of course, it is possible to have the predetermined coupling portion provided at least in part in the cover portion of the second structural element and in this case the electrical conductors may be provided in that part.

It is clear that if the second structural elements are constructed in the manner just outlined above, the various cover portions may each carry a different electrical component I which may be identified with suitable indicia or the like, and

the cover portions may be made interchangeable so that any one cover portion may fit any one hollow portion of a second structural element. This is advantageous because it permits an exchange of one electrical component for another even after the respective second structural element has already been included mechanically and/or electrically in a model. Rather than having to disassemble the model to remove the second structural element and replace it, it is then simply necessary to remove the cover portion and exchange the same for another carrying a different electrical component. It will be appreciated that this is of advantage in circumstances where for instance after erection of the model it is found that the electrical component utilized in the model is basically correct but that a different value of the same electrical component should have been provided. An exchange will then be very simple. Also it is of course a great simplification in the manufacture of the various components and in the assembly of a kit for sale because the decision which electrical component to connect with which hollow portion of a second structural element will be up to the user. It is also clear that it is possible with an assembly kit according to my invention to use the second structural elements by themselves, or in conjunction with the first structural elements, purely for the erection of mechanical The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 illustrates a cover portion of a hollow second structural element according to the invention, carrying an electrical component;

FIG. 2 illustrates the hollow portion of a second structural element with which the cover portion of FIG. 1 is arranged to be connected; and

HO. 3 illustrates a two-pronged electrical connecting means for use with the second structural element whose portions are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. I

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Before entering into a discussion of FIGS. 1-3 I wish to point out that an assembly kit of the type'here under discussion will normally comprise a plurality of first structural elements and a plurality of second structural elements. One of these second structural elements has been shown in-FI GS. l and 2 in one embodiment. The first structural elements which are not provided with electrical components will be quite similar to the one shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 except that they will not ordinarily be hollow but rather solid, and will thus not be of two-part construction. They will, however, be provided with male and/or female coupling portions in form of projecting coupling heads and/or undercut coupling. grooves. Because the configuration of these first structural elements thus is very clear from what I have said, 1 have not illustrated them so as to avoid confusion with the second structural element which is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. A person of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand the distinction, particularly from the description l have just given.

Corning now to FIGS. 1 and 2 it will be seen that in FIG. 2 l have generally identified the second structural element with reference numeral 1. This reference numeral refers actually only to the hollow portion shown in FIG. 2 as having an open side. At three of its lateral side faces the hollow portion 1 is provided with undercut coupling grooves 2 and 3, respectively, whereas at the fourth lateral side it is provided with a projecting elongated undercut coupling head or coupling portion models. In this case it is possible either to provide a cover portion for a hollow portion of the second structural element without an electrical component, or simply not to energize the electrical component. Again, it is possible to provide a single one of the second structural elements with all of the electrical elements of a circuit, for instance a receiver. In such a case the thus constructed second structural element may be electrically and mechanically connected with an electromotor of a model which has been built using the thus constructed second structural element, and if a suitable transmitter is then provided, the model can be remote controlled. Clearly, indicia or -may be provided to indicate on each second structural element which is the predetermined coupling portion provided with the electrical connections.

4. The configuration in cross section of the coupling portion 4 is such that it can mate with coupling grooves 2 or 3 provided on another one of the second structural elements or one of the first structural elements which are not illustrated.

The hollow interior of the hollow portion 1 is identified with reference numeral 5 and can be closed by connecting to the hollow portion 1 the cover portion 6 shown in FlG. l. The cover portion 6 in this embodiment is provided at three lateral edges with undercut coupling grooves 7 and 8 which are respectively analogous to the coupling grooves 2 and 3 of the hollow portion 1. When the cover portion 6 is connected with the hollow portion 1, the coupling grooves 7 and 8 will respectively be aligned with the coupling grooves 2 and 3 of the hollow portion 1.

On that side of the cover portion 6 which will face the holreference numeral 10. I need not again emphasize that other,

electrical components-which term includes electronic components-may be substituted with a corresponding change in the symbol or other designation.

When the cover portion 6, whose exterior dimensions correspond to those of the hollow portion 1, is connected with the latter, the condenser 9 will be located in the hollow interior 5 vided which connect the condenser 9 with electrical contacts 13and 14.

' of the hollow portion 1. Two conductors lland 12 are pro- The coupling groove 3 provided in the hollow portion 1' is I provided with two incisions 15 and 16 into which the electrical contacts 13 and 14 will extend when the cover portion 6 is connected with the hollow portion 1. Of course, the dimensions of the contacts 13 and 14 are so selected that when the cover portion 6 is connected with the hollow portion 1 the contacts will project inwardly beyond the inner surface bounding the coupling groove 3.

" ln FIG. 3 l have shown an electrical connecting means i which serves to connect the second structural element shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with another similar second structural element to thereby establish an electrical connection between the condenser 9 and whatever electrical component is provided in the similar second structural element. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3 the electrical connecting means is generally identified with reference numeral 17 and consists of two parts 18 and 19 which are electrically insulated by a layer of insulating material 20. A suitable nonconductive rivet or the like 21 may be provided to unite the parts 18 and 19 with the layer 20. It will be clear that as the element 17 is inserted into the coupling groove 3 from one or the other open end thereof-and it should be understood that if it is to be inserted from the side of the cover portion 6 the open end will be constituted by the groove 8 provided in the cover portion 6'its electrically conductive parts 18 and l9will respectively engage the contacts 13 and 14 in conducting relationship therewith.

I point out that in the illustrated embodiment the member 17 is provided with an undercut coupling projection 22 and a similarly undercut coupling projection 23. If the projection 22 is inserted into the groove 3 and establishes conductive connection with the electrical component 9 in the manner just described, then the projection 23 may be inserted into an analogous groove of a similar second structural element and will establish conductive engagement with whatever electrical component is provided in this other similar second structural component. Because of the particular cross-sectional configu ration of the projections 22 and 23 the element 17 serves not only for electrical connection between two second structural components, but also for mechanical connection.

it is clear, of course, that modifications of the illustrated i embodiments are readily possible without affecting in any way the inventive concept. Thus, the second structural element need not be of two-part construction and could instead be of one-part construction with the respective electrical component being permanently located within the second structural element. Also, the arrangement of the contacts, the conductors, the coupling portions or the like may be varied as desired, and different identifications, indicia or the like may be provided without departing from the scope of the present invention.

, It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a toy assembly kit, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way' from the spirit of the present invention.

lclaim:

1. In an assembly kit comprising a plurality of first structural elements, a plurality of second structural elements each provided with an electrical component; mating male and female coupling portions provided on said structural elements for enabling mechanical coupling of the same, and including at least one undercut elongated groove in each of said second structural elements and bounded by an inner peripheral surface; eonductor means conductively connected with the respective electrical components and having conductive (portrons extending longitudinally of the respective groove an exposed at the inner peripheral surface thereof; and electrical connecting means, including two conductively connected male undercut coupling portions each arranged to mate with the groove of one of said second structural elements in conductive contact with the associated conductive portions to thereby establish an electrical connection between the electrical components associated with the thus connected second structural elements.

2. In an assembly kit as defined in claim 1, said electrical connecting means also serving, when mated with said grooves, to establish a mechanical connection between said two second structural elements.

3. ln an assembly kit as defined in claim 1, said conductor means comprising a positive and a negative conductor, and said conductive portions of both of said conductors being exposed at said inner peripheral surface.

4. In an assembly kit as defined in claim 3, said conductive portions being located at opposite sides of and spaced from one another in longitudinal direction of said groove.

5. In an assembly kit as defined in claim 1, further comprising electrical tenninal means provided on said electrical connecting means for electrically connecting current-conducting elements thereto. t

6. in an assembly kit as defined in claim 1, said second structural elements each comprising a hollow portion having an open side, and a cover portion connectable with said hollow portion and carrying said electrical component with the latter located inside the respective second structural element when said portions thereof are connected.

7. in an assembly kit as defined in claim 6, said electrical conductor means comprising additional conductive portions provided on said cover portion connected with said electrical component and arranged to conductively contact said con- 

1. In an assembly kit comprising a plurality of first structural elements, a plurality of second structural elements each provided with an electrical component; mating male and female coupling portions provided on said structural elements for enabling mechanical coupling of the same, and including at least one undercut elongated groove in each of said second structural elements and bounded by an inner peripheral surface; conductor means conductively connected with the respective electrical components and having conductive portions extending longitudinally of the respective groove and exposed at the inner peripheral surface thereof; and electrical connecting means, including two conductively connected male undercut coupling portions each arranged to mate with the groove of one of said second structural elements in conductive contact with the associated conductive portions to thereby establish an electrical connection between the electrical components associated with the thus connected second structural elements.
 2. In an assembly kit as defined in claim 1, said electrical connecting means also serving, when mated with said grooves, to establish a mechanical connection between said two second structural elements.
 3. In an assembly kit as defined in claim 1, said conductor means comprising a positive and a negative conductor, and said conductive portions of both of said conductors being exposed at said inner peripheral surface.
 4. In an assembly kit as defined in claim 3, said conductive portions being located at opposite sides of and spaced from one another in longitudinal direction of said groove.
 5. In an assembly kit as defined in claim 1, further comprising electrical terminal means provided on said electrical connecting means for electrically connecting current-conducting elements thereto.
 6. In an assembly kit as defined in claim 1, said second structural elements each comprising a hollow portion having an open side, and a cover portion connectable with said hollow portion and carrying said electrical component with the latter located inside the respective second structural element when said portions thereof are connected.
 7. In an assembly kit as defined in claim 6, said electrical conductor means comprising additional conductive portions provided on said cover portion connected with said electrical component and arranged to conductively contact said conductive portions on said groove in response to connecting of said cover portion with said hollow portion. 